I was pretty sure that with the advent of the 360 and the PS3 that interest in the old PS2 would subside but I’ve received a few emails asking how to use .PS2 files.

In an unfortunate and confusing move, the Sharkport files which used to have the .md file extension now use the .PS2 extension. This is confusing because there is an existing and incompatible file that also stores PS2 save data. A bad decision by the Sharkport managerial team.

If you have a .PS2 file created by PCSX2 then you should use MYMC to manipulate it.

If you have a .PS2 file created by a Sharkport and you want to edit it or manipulate it with PS2Save Builder then you should change the file extension to .md. This will allow PS2 Save Builder to load the save.

Over at PSX-Scene jimmikaelkael has been at hard at work figuring out how the Memor32 and Datel’s Memory Plus are able to load programs directly from the memory card. I’ve been watching the thread with interest from the beginning and it seems that his hard work has paid off and a free solution, usable on almost any memory card, is now available!

Bootlegninja has prepared an installation guide to get you up and running. This is currently in beta/Work in Progress status so keep a look out for regular updates!

Lukasz Bruun got himself a Datel Memory Plus 64MB card but things didn’t quite work as he expected. He’s written an interesting article detailing his experiences, how he fixed the problems with Datel’s new hardware and provides the tools so you don’t have to. It’s a must read for any Memory Plus owner wanting to run homebrew from the card. Without it, and the tools Lukasz provides, your homebrew options might be limited.

Looks like Datel finally updated their online store to include the PS2 Memory Plus 64MB. I’ll be looking to get hold of one of these and put it through it’s paces. Most importantly we’ll see how this compares to the Memor32….

Although there’s no offical anouncement or product details on Codejunkies, kiwicider from psx-scene has his hands on a 64MB card from Datel called the Memory Plus

Packaging:

The Memory Plus reportedly comes with a built in saves management software that automatically loads when the PS2 is switched on, no CD required. The instructions also cover the loading of homebrew software from the memory card or a USB pendrive by naming the files runme1.elf or runme2.elf. We’ll be looking for more details on this new addition to the PS2 Memorycard range and comparing it’s features to the Memor32 in due course.

It’s been a long time coming but my long delayed review of the Memor32 has finally arrived. It’s a fairly lengthy review, I’ve tried to cover everything from the install to expansion using the Memento firmware.

For those that just want to know my final thoughts on the card check out the executive summary below, for those that want the full deal come this way for my Memor32 review.

I was finally able to tear myself away from Halo 3 to finish up the AR Max save format doc I was working on.

It’s a bit rough and ready but should allow anyone with an understanding of file structures to work with AR Max saves themselves. I’ve also included some of the code (in Delphi naturally) from ARMaxDLL in hopes to clarify how the archive is formed.